Turn a chart's stitch count into real inches and centimeters. Pick your Aida, evenweave or linen count, choose over 1 or over 2 and the margin you want, and get the finished design size and the size of fabric to cut.
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Design
Stitch count across, from the chart.
Fabric
per in
Stitch over
Aida is usually stitched over 1, evenweave and linen over 2.
3 in (7.5 cm) is usual for framing; 2 in for small pieces.
Optional: check a fabric piece you have
Same units as the margin.
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Cross Stitch Fabric Calculator
Enter the stitch count of the design, width and height, from the chart or pattern cover.
Choose the fabric count and whether you stitch over 1 or 2 threads.
Set the margin you want around the design on each side.
Press Calculate fabric size to see the finished design size and the fabric to cut.
Compare fabrics in the table, or enter a piece you own to check it fits.
Cross stitch size formula
Stitches per inch = fabric count ÷ threads per stitch (1 for Aida, usually 2 for evenweave and linen). Design size = stitch count ÷ stitches per inch. Fabric to cut = design size + 2 × margin.
Example: a 140 × 100 stitch chart on 14-count Aida is 140 ÷ 14 = 10 in wide and 100 ÷ 14 = 7.14 in high.
With a 3 in margin each side, cut the fabric at least 16 × 13¼ in. The same chart on 28-count evenweave over 2 is the same size; over 1 on 28-count it would be half as big (5 × 3.6 in).
Design size by fabric count
How large 100 stitches become on common fabrics (multiply for your own count).
Fabric
Stitches per inch
100 stitches
Typical floss strands
Aida 11
11
9.09 in (23.1 cm)
3
Aida 14
14
7.14 in (18.1 cm)
2
Aida 16
16
6.25 in (15.9 cm)
2
Aida 18
18
5.56 in (14.1 cm)
1–2
Evenweave 25 over 2
12.5
8 in (20.3 cm)
2–3
Evenweave 28 over 2
14
7.14 in (18.1 cm)
2
Linen 32 over 2
16
6.25 in (15.9 cm)
2
Linen 36 over 2
18
5.56 in (14.1 cm)
1–2
Linen 40 over 2
20
5 in (12.7 cm)
1
Tips before you cut
Cut along a thread line so the edges stay square, and finish them with masking tape, zigzag stitching or fray check.
Allow more margin if you use a scroll frame or plan to stretch the work over a board.
Measure stitch count, not chart squares on the page: printed charts are often scaled, so only the stitch numbers tell the real size.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out the size of a cross stitch design?
Divide the number of stitches by the stitches per inch of your fabric. A design 140 stitches wide on 14-count Aida is 140 ÷ 14 = 10 inches wide. On evenweave or linen stitched over 2 threads, halve the fabric count first: 28-count over 2 gives 14 stitches per inch.
How much extra fabric should I leave around a cross stitch?
About 3 inches (7.5 cm) on every side is the usual allowance for framing and for holding the fabric in a hoop or frame. Small ornaments and cards can use 1 to 2 inches; pieces that will be professionally framed or matted often get 4 inches.
What does stitching over 2 mean?
On evenweave and linen each cross covers a square of 2 × 2 threads, so the number of stitches per inch is half the fabric count. 28-count evenweave over 2 gives the same design size as 14-count Aida.
Which Aida count should I choose?
14-count is the most common and easiest for beginners. 11-count gives bigger, chunkier stitches and is easier on the eyes; 16 and 18-count make a smaller, finer design and need fewer strands of floss for good coverage.
How do I find the centre of my fabric?
Fold the fabric in half each way and crease it, or measure: the centre is half the cut width across and half the cut height down. Begin stitching at the centre of the chart, usually marked with arrows, so the design ends up evenly placed.
Does the calculator work in centimeters?
Yes. Choose centimeters for the margin and the result is shown in both inches and centimeters. Fabric counts are always given per inch, which is how cross stitch fabric is sold worldwide.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.